Scary Celtic Don’t Alleviate Fears Despite Capital Victory…
It took a last-gasp penalty to bring home the bacon, and Celtic did nothing to allay our fears that we are going backwards compared to recent years.
Brendan mixed it up and made some, what could be considered brave decisions in his Easter Road line-up. As a result, the boss scored his first victory against Hibernian in the Capital, and that’s a major plus! There were some moments when it looked like a new formation could work, but still left an air of fear about the way we play.
When we forged forward and had the chance to stretch the Hibs defence, we froze, with the final ball to the attackers lacking both conviction, and class. That was the difference. We gave too many simple balls away and naively broke down our own attack too many times.
Peter Grant on Celtic TV co-commentary ‘does the nut in’ at times, but our ex-midfielder assessed the general play well, calling out poor decision making and making valid points. Passes played inside rather than out…players running wide off the ball but with the pass going backwards…fearful deliveries from front to back, and back, and back…!
When we fashioned chances to finish off a poor Hibs team we reverted to type and the fans were apoplectic at times. Even our regular heart-soothers missed glaring opportunities to relax the support, but there’s a disturbing malaise about the squad which is concerning.
Matt O’Riley, our constant creator, was bypassed in favour of ‘Hail Mary’ deliveries which more often than not failed to find the target.
Nicolas Kuhn was lucky to stay on the park for as long as he did; I don’t remember the much-vaunted winger going past a player once, nor delivering a pass inside to a striker.
Maeda did what Maeda does; flatter to deceive. The Japanese ran his heart out, but my dog Larsson has more natural ability in ball control.
The much-maligned Bernabei showed more of his talent this time, mostly up front where he slung in some decent crosses, none which were accepted.
The shock loss of Alistair Johnston to a vicious head clash is a big worry. The defender has not been marquee this term but is still head and shoulders above anything else we have in that position. Haste ye back Al!
Paolo Bernardo was a stand-out for me; playing a pivotal role in breaking up the Hibs midfield with clever running, interceptions and the Portuguese showed some nice touches. Shame about his support act!
New-bhoy Idah put in a power of work up front, but some of his final decisions baffled to say the least. Time may fix that conundrum. The youngster must be commended though as he stepped up to the plate when it mattered, and his spot-kicks were calm, cool and deadly.
Many of the more senior players would have baulked at the thought of taking such a vital kick at the beginning of the match, and so close to at the end, but Adam became an instant hero with his ease of delivery both times. Having missed a snip or two previously, the Irishman will be forgiven, and I’m sure his confident demeanour will ensure he kicks on from here.
Well done to Kyogo who was benched but appeared late to win the match with some tenacious and skilful energy. The wee mhan never gives up and deserved to join the victory dance at the end.
All in all it was a massive three points and we will accept them with gratitude, but also with tentative foresight. We are not playing with the confidence to fill us with the certainty of a Championship at the end of the season. However, we are once again Top Of The League, and to say that when we are anything but in top shape gives us hope.
There’s work to do, both in terms of general outfield play and in confidence. We are better than this, and with the grace of God we will find our true form and finally show our real class. The alternative is unthinkable. Mon the Hoops!
Eddie Murray
